Prior to this date, development consents for the marine fish farms fell within the jurisdiction of The Crown Estate.

Statutory Planning Authority - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the statutory Planning Authority for new marine fish farming development as well as material changes to existing fish farms in the Outer Hebrides.

Pre- Application Advice - Developers are invited to discuss their proposals with the Comhairle Planning Service at the earliest stage possible. Developers should contact the Planning Service to make an appointment by telephoning 01851 822690 or by e-mail to planning@cne-siar.gov.uk.

Marine Fish Farm Permitted Development Rights - The Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Fish Farming) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2012 (PDF) makes provision (subject to Prior Notification in all but one instance) for six types of modification to a marine fish farm that may be carried out without the need to apply for express planning permission. These are (subject to the qualifications of the Order): Changing the size and type of fish cages; Replacing or repositioning a feed barge; Replacing top nets and support structures on a fish cage; Deploying temporary equipment; Switching species being farmed from salmon to either trout or halibut and from trout to salmon and adding longlines on a mussel farm

Marine Fish Farm Planning Application Form - The Comhairle has adopted a national application form for Marine Fish Farm Development Planning Applications.